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Soaking up the sun’s rays is tempting, especially after a long, cold winter. But in the absence of proper sun safety, those toasty rays can also lead to skin cancer — the most common type of cancer in the world.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that there were over one million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009 and 68,720 cases of melanoma skin cancer, the more deadly form.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that most skin cancer can be prevented. But, how much do you really know about sun safety and protecting your skin? Test your knowledge in our short quiz:

1. TRUE OR FALSE: You can fight skin cancer with food.
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True. There is some evidence that antioxidants such as green tea can help to protect the body against various forms of cancer. Also, according to John E. Wolf Jr., chair of the dermatology department at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, a low-fat diet can help reduce the risk of skin cancer by improving the immune system and preventing cancer cells from forming.

2. TRUE OR FALSE: Some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
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True. Photosensitivity is a side effect of many medications, such as Tazorac, acne medications such as tretionoin (Retin-A™) and isotretinoin (Accutane™), topical eczema creams, some allergy medications, birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, and even some common antibiotics.

As your sensitivity to sunlight increases, so do your chances of sunburn and skin cancer. As part of an overall sun safety routine, always ask your doctor if any medication you’re taking will make you more sensitive to the sun.

3. TRUE OR FALSE: Applying sunscreen once is enough.
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False: Think that just one application of sunscreen will protect you from skin cancer? Not so. Even water resistant sunscreen can be washed off if you’re working up a sweat or swimming. For effective sun safety, you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes or less before heading outside, and reapply it after a swim, or every two hours if you’re perspiring.

4. TRUE OR FALSE: You can fight skin cancer with food.
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True. There is some evidence that antioxidants, such as green tea, can help to protect the body against various forms of cancer. Also, according to John E. Wolf Jr., chair of the dermatology department at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, a low-fat diet can help reduce the risk of skin cancer by improving the immune system and preventing cancer cells from forming.

5. TRUE OR FALSE: Sunscreen can actually cause cancer.
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Possibly true. According to a study at the University of California, some sunscreens don’t block UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply. Another study at the University of Staffordshire raised concerns about the level of aluminum in sunscreens. Aluminum can be absorbed into the skin, and promotes oxidation of cells, which increases the risk of cancer.

However, there is no conclusive study on whether sunscreens can cause cancer. And, various cancer and dermatology organizations around the world continue to recommend using them for sun safety.

Still, a big concern is that sunscreen users often don’t use these products properly, and they often don’t use other forms of protection. They also stay outdoors longer when the sun is strongest. Proper sunscreen use and all-around sun safety necessary to ward off sun damage and skin cancer.

6. TRUE OR FALSE: There is no cure for skin cancer.
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False. Most skin cancers are very treatable. Even melanoma, considered the most deadly, has a high survival rate with early detection and treatment. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, there are numerous options available such as surgery, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy and topical chemotherapy — all of which can destroy cancer cells.

If you pay attention to proper sun safety techniques, you reduce your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. You’ll also fight off premature aging so you can enjoy healthy, youthful skin well into your later years.
Source: Core Content Media
Type: Original SEO article
Keyword density: Skin cancer – 3%

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Have you done a breast self exam lately? April is Cancer Control Month, and it’s as good a time as any to do one. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in Canada, and the second leading cause of cancer death in America. Although breast cancer death rates have steadily declined since the 1990s, it’s still essential for you to be vigilant about this disease.

Here Is How to Give Yourself A Thorough Breast Self Exam

• Pay attention to your body. Become really familiar with how your breasts feel normally. This will help you to notice any abnormalities during your regular breast self exam.

• Be aware of breast cancer symptoms. Warning signs during your self breast exam include lumps, dimpling, unexplained pain or swelling (for instance, not related to an accident or menstruation), changes in your nipples, nipple discharge, and skin changes. When you examine your breast, check for these symptoms above and below the breasts, under your armpits and near your ribs and collarbone.

• Assume the right position. During your breast cancer self exam stand in front of a mirror to check for symptoms such as skin changes and dimpling. When you perform the touching part of the exam, it’s best to lie down so that the breast tissue spreads and it’s easier to feel changes such as lumps. If you check for lumps while standing, raise your arms only slightly.

• Apply the right touch and motion. To do your breast self exam, use your index, middle and ring fingers in the hand opposite to the breast your checking. Using different levels of pressure make small circular movements from the outside and work towards the nipple area. You can also work from the top to the bottom of your breast area.

What to Do If You Notice Changes During Your Breast Self Exam

If you find any symptoms such as a lump or nipple changes during your breast self exam, visit your physician as soon as possible. Even though the changes may not turn out to be cancer, it’s better to play it safe. Your doctor will perform another breast exam and may recommend you get further screening such as an ultrasound or mammogram.

Keyword density 2%
Word count: 378
SOURCE: CORE CONTENT MEDIA
Resources: American Cancer Society, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Looking for Natural Remedies for the Cold and Flu? Research Shows that the Herb, Elderberry, Can Fight Viruses and Bacteria.

While much of the focus has been on the H1N1 virus this winter season, the seasonal flu virus and the common cold are still making the rounds. Symptoms such as coughing, fever, and body aches and chills can last for up to two weeks. If you’re looking for natural remedies to fight cold and flu, you may want to consider elderberry.

Various parts of the black elder plant have been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years to treat colds, flu and upper respiratory infections. In a Norwegian study, one group of flu patients took Sambucol — a formula containing elderberry extract — when they first got flu symptoms.

Over 90 per cent of the study participants experienced flu symptoms for only two days. On the other hand, patients in the placebo group had symptoms lasting for six days and also took more medications to cope.

Researchers believe that elderberry fights cold and flu because it’s packed with immune-boosting antioxidants. For instance, Dr. James A. Duke, a renowned herbalist, believes that elderberry owes its healing powers to its antiviral phytochemicals.

Who Can Take Elderberry for Cold and Flu
Adults and children over the age of one can take Sambucol. Just make sure you follow the dosage on the package. If Sambucol isn’t available in your area, there are other standardized black elderberry preparations for cold and flu available on the market. These formulas are often mixed with other herbs that fight cold and flu naturally such as echinacea.

Side Effects of Elderberry
So far there are no reported side effects of commercially prepared elderberry extract. However, keep kids away from the raw or uncooked berries. Also, if you or your child has a medical condition or is taking medication, get advice from a naturopath or holistic family doctor before taking elderberry to fight cold and flu naturally.

Source: Core Content Media
Type: Original Article
Word count: 325